After Brendan Rodgers was sacked Dick and Advocaat scarpered, Tim Sherwood and Jose Mourinho are probably the most under pressure managers in the Premier League.

It’s not milking it to suggest that both are only a game or two away from TV punditry. But Jose has more to lose here.

A Chelsea win is unlikely to see Sherwood jettisoned. But if Villa could pull off an unlikely – but not out of the question – result, Jose could have a Monday morning meeting with Roman Abramovich. The kind that ends with being handed a shovel, pick and one-way ticket to a Siberian salt mine.

Right-back Branislav Ivanovic is injured, which will no doubt be a relief to many at The Bridge (himself included). But they are otherwise intact following the internationals. Hopefully Diego Costa has stayed away from the pastries during the break. If he doesn’t look lithe against Villa, he’s never going to.

Villa have scored in each of their last nine away matches but need another Chelsea off-day. You suspect their quota might be up.

Prediction: Chelsea should have enough. Shouldn’t they? 2-1

The stats

Jose Mourinho has never lost consecutive home matches as a manager.

Villa have lost their last four PL matches by a single goal; equalling the joint-longest record.

No team has ever finished higher than 5th after being where Chelsea are at this stage of the season (16th).

Tim Sherwood has now lost as many PL games (19) as he has won (19).

Chelsea have kept just two clean sheets this season. Against Arsenal in the PL and Tel Aviv in the CL.

Villa have picked up just one point from their last seven PL games (D1, L6).

Team news

Villa should be near full strength for the trip to Stamford Bridge. However, Ciaran Clark and Gabby Agbonlahor will miss out as they struggle to overcome respective thigh and calf injuries.

Adama Traore has been passed fit following his recovery from a niggling ankle problem but Carles Sanchez needs to be assessed after his late return from international duty.

Gary Gardner and Jores Okore have stepped up their recoveries from long-term injuries but they lack match-fitness and this weekend could come too early.

With Branislav Ivanovic missing – hamstring – the question remains. Who will take his place? Candidates include Baba Rahman or Kurt Zouma. Either could slot in on the left with Cesar Azpilicueta moving across to the opposite flank.

Gary Cahill is fine after Roy Hodgson decided to rest the defender due to a niggling back complaint.

Injury forced Nemanja Matic off in Albania but the midfielder did return a few days later for Serbia. However, Ramires impressed at St Mary’s and looks set to keep his place.